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Excellent Advice For Living: 79 Maxims from a Wise Old Man
Kevin Kelly

Excellent Advice For Living: 79 Maxims from a Wise Old Man

Jan 25, 2026

Key Takeaways


  • True success often requires adopting an optimistic outlook, believing that the universe is aligned with one's success, as advocated by Kelly.
  • Understanding is more critical than agreement; seeing through others' perspectives can unlock many opportunities.
  • Creativity often benefits from imposing deadlines, as they act as accelerators of decision-making and innovation.
  • Forgiveness serves as a healing mechanism primarily for oneself, not just for those forgiven.
  • Mastery of a skill offers a unique perspective and can lead one towards discovering their personal bliss.
  • Adopt habits over seeking inspiration, as habits ensure continual improvement.
  • Focus on meaningful interactions and relationships, rather than transactional engagements, for a richer life.
  • Kindness is foundational to maturity, and should not be confused with weakness.
  • Keep pursuing improvement, even on a small scale, every day to relentlessly progress towards greatness.
  • Worry less about others' perceptions and instead cultivate genuine self-understanding and respect.
  • Embrace imaginative thinking as it is the essence of breakthroughs and innovative accomplishments.
  • Crisis provides a unique opportunity for progress and proactive change.
  • Kelly stresses the importance of consistent action and small gains compounding over time to achieve big results.
  • Generosity towards others can counterintuitively result in personal gain, enhancing one's wisdom and fulfillment.

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